ClearPass is designed to provide a centralized platform for managing registered and guest users, setting policies, and controlling bandwidth use.

"With our old access management system, we weren't able to access the necessary information from devices to properly prioritize and manage traffic," said Kent McKelvey, telecommunications and network services director at SDSU, in a prepared statement. "With ClearPass, we will be able to view and manage all of that detailed information, and restrict or block access if necessary. ClearPass will provide us with the flexibility to manage a user base comprised of known and unknown users and will allow us to quickly and easily adjust how we determine levels of access."

According to Aruba, SDSU is also in the process of upgrading its existing wireless infrastructure to ensure that all access points support 802.11n.

"When this upgrade is complete," according to Aruba, "the SDSU WLAN will include nearly 2,000 Aruba APs, Aruba Mobility Controllers and the AirWave Network Management System, which delivers comprehensive visibility across the entire SDSU access network. The upgraded WLAN will enhance SDSU's campus-wide wireless network access and will support a wide range of instructional applications including Structural Technology Services, which manages and supports the classroom and its academic content, and Blackboard."

Part of the California State University system, one of the largest university systems in the United States, San Diego State University serves 34,000 students and employs some 9.600 faculty and staff.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.